Foshan, China — Long celebrated as the birthplace of the lion dance, Foshan’s ancient streets came alive this week as international visitors shared their fascination with this iconic cultural spectacle. KhabarAsia spoke with travelers and culture enthusiasts exploring the city’s vibrant traditions, revealing how this centuries-old art form continues to bridge continents.
"I’d only seen lion dances in videos, but witnessing the acrobatics and drumming here feels electrifying," said Marco, a tourist from Italy, echoing sentiments from many interviewees. A student from Malaysia added, "It’s more than performance — it’s a symbol of community and luck I want my family to experience."
Foshan’s role as a cultural hub is amplifying its appeal among global travelers, with local schools reporting increased interest in lion dance workshops. Economists note this cultural pull aligns with broader trends in Asia’s experiential tourism sector, which saw a 22% revenue jump in 2023.
For the Asian diaspora, such traditions offer a tangible link to heritage. "Seeing young foreigners embrace lion dance gives me hope these traditions will thrive," remarked Li Wei, a third-generation Foshan resident.
As dusk fell over祖庙 (Zumiao Temple), the thundering drums carried promises of cultural exchange — one leap and shake of the lion’s mane at a time.
